​Bob was a project manager with his local council for 20 years, and after undertaking a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course with Patrick Whitefield in 2011, decided to move into work where he could focus more on using permaculture design in a variety of settings. He’s since been involved with organic growing on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) site and teaching on permaculture design certificate (PDC) courses. Bob is now one of the directors at the Apricot Centre, mainly focusing on the business development there, looking at project management, marketing, fundraising. He is also currently undertaking the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design and hopes to accredit soon.

The Apricot Centre was established 15 years ago and is all about demonstrating sustainable living, including a big emphasis on people care. It uses a Permaculture model as its core design, utilizing permaculture ethics and principles plus many tools biodynamic and agroforestry systems. The Apricot Centre is a commercially successful not for profit organization, with general aims of quality local food, well being and creativity

* The Apricot Wellbeing Service – for children and familiesNature based care farm activities as well as provision of specialist therapeutic services for children with complex life circumstances

​For Bob, working directly within permaculture education and other related projects has changed his life entirely. He has a lot more satisfaction from the ethics of the work he is involved in and although works harder for less money is much happier. In addition Bob and has noticed a vast difference in his holistic wellbeing, in particular with his physical health and fitness. His partner Sarah is also now very much involved with permaculture design work after being influenced by Bobs experience, and has discovered a rich and productive ‘Edge’ with her experience as a holistic practitioner

This 34 farm has just been purchased by the Biodynamic Land Trust and in October 2015 the Apricot Centre took on running the site, with Bob in post as Farm Manager. The first stages of the permaculture design for the farm, were undertaken during a course where participants contributed towards the design process as they gained knowledge and skill about it .The Apricot Centre has already had the opportunity to observe the site for a year, and this initial design includes: